Indications: active rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus; malaria.

Cautions: renal and hepatic impairment, pregnancy, porphyria, psoriasis, glucose-6-phosphate dehydorgenase deficiency; elderly patients, children; regular ophthalmic examinations required.

Contra-indications: pre-existing maculoretinopathy; concurrent therapy with hepatotoxic drugs.

Side Effects: gastro-intestinal disturbances, headache, visual disturbances, irreversible retinal damage, corneal opacities, depigmentation or loss of hair, skin reactions that could be severe to mandate discontinuation of treatment; can rarely lead to deafness; neuromyopathy, sensitization and blood disorders such as thrombocytopenia.

Dose: administered on expert advice, chloroquine (base) 150mg daily after food.

Max. 2.5mg/kg daily. Child, 3mg/kg daily.

Note: 200mg of chloroquine sulfate

= 250mg chloroquine phosphate

= 150mg chloroquine.